Report lists 465 drugs under development

WASHINGTON — More than 400 drugs are under development for the 10 most common chronic health conditions affecting elderly people, according to a new report by a drug industry trade group.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America listed 465 drugs under various stages of development, adding that the aging of the population made chronic diseases a principal threat to the health and productivity of older Americans, as well as contribution to growing healthcare costs.

"Our ability to prevent, manage and treat chronic diseases has progressed dramatically in recent years, due in large part to the discovery and availability of new innovative medicines," PhRMA president and CEO John Castellani said. "But we can't rest on our laurels. The more than 400 medicines in the pipeline for diseases prevalent among older Americans have tremendous potential to improve and extend the lives of seniors, and reduce costly emergency room visits, hospitalizations and surgical procedures."

The drugs include 142 for diabetes; 92 for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; 82 for Alzheimer's disease; 48 for heart failure; and 40 for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All of these conditions affect millions of elderly people in the United States, and Alzheimer's could affect nearly 8 million people by 2030 unless a treatment or preventative measure is found.

Poll

Poll

SPECIAL REPORTS

Are we in the midst of a beauty revolution? Perhaps. It is no secret that the ever-changing beauty category is all about trends, but one could argue that we are embarking on an especially interesting time in beauty as technology is changing the way consumers shop and new innovations strive to break through the noise.

In this beauty report, Drug Store News takes a deeper dive into some of the leading trends that are reshaping beauty.more ...

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue, DSN examines PricewaterhouseCoopers' "Top Health Industry Issues for 2015;" takes you on a tour of Murad, shares beauty trends and insights and delves into location-based technology and how it is revolutionizing health, retail.Click here to view the issue.